Tri-county area readies for Sandy

Pottstown municipal trucks were filled with portable stop signs and barricades to be moved to locations around the borough if roadways become flooded and power goes out. Photo by John Strickler/The Mercury

In Pottstown, Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus buckled down for the storm by putting sandbags at low-lying entrances to its buildings. White and black sandbags reached as high as the door handles in some spots.

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In the parking lot at the side of Pottstown Borough Hall near the police entrance, two yellow municipal pickup trucks were fully loaded with supplies. A truck from the water department had a bed full of portable stop signs and a sewer department pickup was filled with rows of portable barriers.

Gov. Tom Corbett announced a state of emergency in Pennsylvania Sunday in face of the Category 1 hurricane.

“We’ve been here before,” Corbett said at the start of a media briefing at 4:35 p.m. Sunday.

“This is not a typical storm, it could very well be historic in nature,” he said. “This storm is moving slowly and bringing in a high volume of rain. Essentially, this is a hurricane grafted to a Nor’easter.”

In the National Weather Service Forecast Center at Mount Holly’s prepared brief Sunday evening, Hurricane Sandy was classified as “very dangerous.”

The brief said sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph can be expected in the region with gusts up to 75 mph.

The tri-county region will likely be hit with four to eight inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.

Corbett said the turn the hurricane will likely take into the region is “unprecedented” and the full moon and high tides will create extra hardship regarding flooding in southeastern Pennsylvania.

A letter was sent requesting a federal declaration of a disaster, Corbett said, and 1,600 National Guard troops have been placed on standby to be deployed anywhere.

“Sustained high winds,” posed a bigger threat than recent storms, according to the governor, which could knock out power “for several days.”

“This is a wind event, then a flood event,” Corbett said.

SEPTA announced its services were cancelled after Sunday’s schedule due to Sandy.

Montgomery County, as a whole, got set for the potential of the storm directly impacting the area.

“We are not weather forecasters but we understand a severe storm is heading our way,” said Josh Shapiro, the chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, during a press conference early Sunday afternoon.

In the press conference, he urged those in Royersford near the Schuylkill River to consider evacuations.

He also said Pottstown and Mont Clare were areas that were likely to be affected by floodwaters. Residents should “take extra vigilance” there, he said.

“We don’t want to alarm anyone but we want everyone to take the necessary precautions,” Shapiro said.

Later in the day, around 5:45 p.m., Shapiro tweeted that Montgomery County’s government offices would be closed Monday. In the press conference, Shapiro had indicated that, if possible, they’d remain in “business as usual” mode, but the forecast ended those plans.

Flanders said the areas of Pottstown most likely to be affected will be the King Street to Beech Street stretch near Manatawny Creek, as well as the Laurel Street area.

Any spot with a creek “above or underground” should make sure to stay vigilant, he said.

To counteract that, Flanders has urged residents to help keep their storm drains clear of fallen leaves. He said crews will patrol as the storm hits to keep drains clear and those who may not be physically able to clear their drains but see a backup can call the borough for assistance.

Ursinus College and Kutztown University both announced early Sunday that classes would be cancelled for Monday and Tuesday.

Due to the forecasts, Chief Mike Foltz of the Lower Pottsgrove Police announced a “disaster emergency” in the township.

In Berks County, Carl Geffken, the county’s Chief Operating Officer of Public Safety, said a declaration of disaster was issued for the county by their commissioners Friday morning.

As with Pottstown and other areas, he said each municipality is looking to clear storm drains and gutters.

He said generators are being places at several locations, and also emphasized the importance of keeping gas generators in safe areas.

“Many of the concerns that we all share is, on several levels, if electricity goes out and a generator is used, that it is put out in a well-ventilated area,” Geffken said.

In last year’s fall snowstorm, Geffken said a friend died when he was overcome with carbon monoxide because his generator was in his house’s garage.

Another danger during a storm like Sandy is downed power lines. Geffken said no one should approach the power lines even if they appear to not be energized, especially since the roads and sidewalks will likely be wet and conduct electricity more easily.

A central shelter for those who need it will be open at 12 p.m. Monday at Reading High School.

For those who might need to evacuate areas in or near Pottstown, the Sotheastern Pennsylvania Red Cross established a shelter at Pottstown High School. Trucks were parked near the gym entrance Sunday afternoon and the shelter opened after 7 p.m.

Evacuees can bring their pets, and a veterinarian will be on-site.

In Phoenixville, an evacuation center dubbed a “temporary comfort center” is slated for the Phoenixville Civic Center. The center will open at 2 p.m. Monday and those who go there are urged to bring a change of clothing and all necessary medical supplies.

The borough’s website emphasized that the center is to be used as a “last resort” and it would be preferable if those who need to evacuate stay with friends or family for the duration of the storm.

The Phoenixville Office of Emergency Management also assured citizens via Facebook that even if there are flooding conditions, the town’s water plant will be able to provide clean water, “although pressure may be low.”

Although the brunt of the storm wasn’t expected until Monday or Tuesday, Flanders urged residents in low areas to prepare early for the storm. That included moving furniture or belongings from basements and securing important papers.

“Do all the things you can do beforehand so you’re ready to go,” if forced to evacuate, he said.”

The Montgomery County Commissioners acknowledged that citizens may be in it for the long haul.

“We ask that residents be prepared to take care of themselves for up to three days,” said Leslie Richards, commissioner vice chairwoman.

Several authorities urged keeping water and canned food on hand. A special emphasis was placed on having a manual can-opener handy. Full medications, baby supplies and pet food should also be stocked up, the authorities said.

On Facebook, Mercury readers shared how they’re battening down the hatches.

“We cleaned our gutters, put away yard items that could get blown around, and I am doing things like laundry that we may not be able to do for a little while,” Veronika Berry said. “We will fill some buckets with water today, too. I’m not too worried, but have considered gathering the family downstairs if the winds really pick up because we have some very tall trees near the house.”

“You become more worried when you have kids,” Jenn Guldner said. “(I’m gathering) batteries, flashlights, fun toys, and, thankfully, as a couponer, I’m sitting on my stockpile to hold us over.”

In face of the warnings and heavy media coverage, other Mercury readers sounded weary.

About the Author

Frank Otto is a general assignment reporter covering Phoenixville, Limerick and Spring-Ford schools in addition to features and spot news. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Otto moonlights with the sports department on occasion. Reach the author at fotto@pottsmerc.com
or follow Frank on Twitter: @fottojourno.